Panicland Interview
Q: What’s new in the world of Panicland?
A: Lot’s of music! As soon as “Bad Word” came out I was very proud of it and wanted to make something better. That single was 100% self-written and produced, so I want to bring some more people into the mix for the next batch of music and see what happens! Hopefully something that people—including the band and I—don’t expect.
Q: How was it recording the single “Bad Word”?
A: Because it was going to be our first radio release I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure the song was something I was really proud of style-wise, lyrically and musically. I wanted it to sound like a band, but not in the typical way. I wanted it to feel like a group of guys driving around at 2 a.m. belting a bunch of jams—a very spontaneous, jammy vibe. So I obsessed over the idea of that vibe, watching movies that I thought had the same mood and constantly changing the lyrics, mix and arrangement until the direction was obvious.
Q: What is the future of Lyric Videos versus regular promo videos?
A: I think lyric videos are great for the initial introduction of a song, but music videos are always going to be the best way to visually represent a style. I like to think of songs like little movies so we’re oozing with music video ideas. I can’t wait to start it.
Q: Do you consider album artwork as important now that music is mostly downloaded?
A: No, I don’t. I love the idea of album artwork but it’s not necessarily selling point like it used to be. It’s more something that’s fun for the fans. For example, back in the 80’s the average kid would be in a record store intrigued by the album art and buy it. He couldn’t look it up on YouTube or Spotify first.
Q: Vinyl is making a comeback. Do you have a personal preference? Are you producing on vinyl?
A: I’ve always loved the idea of vinyl. As soon as I started working and making money when I was 12 I’d spend it all on vinyl. I think I’ve always been drawn to the nostalgia around records. They have so much character but I don’t necessarily agree with the argument that they sound better. You have to have a top-notch needle and a top-notch system. But I’m happy listening to vinyl on a Crosley – it’s about the mood for me.
Q: Do you have any tours coming up in the near future?
A: We’re planning another radio/press tour at the moment!
Q: How important is merchandising? Could artists survive without?
A: It is a huge revenue stream but I don’t think it’ll make or break an artist’s financial success. Take producers or songwriters that write for other artists, they’re not marketing themselves and don’t sell merchandise but are still financially successful. I think merchandising, besides being another venue stream, is a huge part of establishing a brand and having people feel ownership over you. KISS is the kings of it.
Q: What would be some of your main musical influences today?
A: Elvis Presley for having such star power and swagger and Motown music because the greatest songs of all time came from Motown because of their intense work ethic. Those have always been my two go-tos and I keep learning more and more from both every day. I’ve been trying to listen to a new album every day – today I’m listening to “Last Year Was Complicated” by Nick Jonas – I can already hear the Motown influence in it.
Q: Where do you see music in general going in 20 years from now?
A: I love this question and I love hearing other people’s thoughts on it! I often hear people say, “it’ll get more electronic” or “it’ll come full circle and be more organic” but those are just the sonic elements of music. I think music from other cultures will be a lot more prominent in American music. When you start to think about the possible fusion of music from different cultures there a lot of possibilities, which is exciting to me!
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